In conjunction with the launch of MouthHealthy.org, a new consumer Web site dedicated to improving the oral health of all Americans, the ADA surveyed a nationally representative sample of nearly 1,500 adults to gauge their knowledge of dental hygiene. On average, Americans scored a "D" on a series of true-or-false questions on topics including how often to brush and what causes cavities.
Results of the survey included the following:
• 90% of respondents mistakenly believe they should brush after every meal. The ADA recommends only twice a day.
• 65% of respondents mistakenly believe they should only replace their toothbrush twice a year. The ADA recommends doing so every 3 months.
• 81% of respondents mistakenly think that sugar causes cavities, when it’s really germs in the mouth that feed on sugar and then produce acid that attacks tooth enamel.
"The results of the survey were quite shocking and really show how important it is for people to become more involved in their own oral health," said William R. Calnon, DDS (pictured), president of the ADA and a practicing dentist in Rochester, NY.
Calnon added that MouthHealthy.org features the dental IQ quiz so people can test their own knowledge. The Web site also offers prevention, care, and treatment information. The site is organized by life stages and includes information on the top 10 dental symptoms, how to handle dental emergencies, and A-Z oral health topics. Also included are videos, tips, and activities, as well as a special section to make oral health care fun for children.
Mouthhealthy.org’s children’s section will feature bilingual videos of beloved Sesame Street characters Elmo and Abby Caddaby spreading oral health messages through Sesame Workshop’s latest oral health outreach effort, "Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me."
